(A) Not more than 200 feet of trench shall be opened at any time, with not more than 50 feet opened in advance of the completed pipe-laying operation.
(B) Surface encumbrances located so as to create a hazard to employees who are involved in excavation work or in the vicinity thereof at any time during operations shall be removed or made safe before the excavating is begun.
(C) During excavation, material satisfactory for backfilling shall be stockpiled in an orderly manner at a distance from the banks of the trench that is sufficient to avoid overloading and to prevent slides and cave-ins. Adequate drainage shall be provided for the stockpiles and the surrounding areas by means of ditches, dikes or other suitable methods. The stockpiles shall also be protected from contamination with unsatisfactory excavated materials or other materials which may destroy the quality and fitness of the suitable stockpiled material.
(D) Grading shall be done as may be necessary to prevent surface water from flowing into the excavation, and any water accumulating therein shall be removed so that the stability of the bottom and sides of the excavation is maintained. In wet trenches, dewatering equipment shall be operated ahead of pipe laying and the water level kept below the pipe invert.
(E) Excavation work shall be performed in accordance with all applicable provisions of the OSHA standards for trench and excavation safety and as recommended by the pipe manufacturer.
(F) An excavation for manholes or similar structures shall be sufficient to leave at least 12 inches clear between the outer-structure surfaces and the face of the excavation or support members, and shall be of sufficient size to permit the placement and removal of forms for the full length and width of structure footings and foundations. When concrete is to be placed in an excavated area, special care shall be taken not to disturb the bottom of the excavation. Excavation to the final grade level shall not be made until just before the concrete is to be placed.
(Ord. 2010-3, passed 10-6-2010)